PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Sex: Male or female Menopausal status: Not specified Performance status: Zubrod 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 12 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute granulocyte count greater than 1,500/mm3 Platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No history of heart failure Ejection fraction at least 55% by 2-dimensional echocardiogram Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception Other prior malignancy allowed if curatively treated and there is clear diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer requiring treatment